Local Farmers donate top quality heifer as charity lot at annual elite sale
Charity Lot 38, a Belgian Blue in-calf Heifer at the Mayo-Sligo Mart in Ballina, donated by Anthony Gill; in aid of Cancer Care West, was purchased by John Caden from Crossmolina for €6,990 with a further €1000 being donated by the Ballina Mart. From Left: John Caden, Crossmolina, Anthony Gill, Crossmolina & John F Caden, Killala. Picture: John O'Grady.
Friday the 9th, Ballina Mart held its annual elite heifer sale with 110 weanling heifers.
Mart Manager Billy Loftus noted, "This year we also included a special springer sale for Anthony & James Gill."
“The weanling trade was led by buyers looking for heifers to make top sucklers or to make show rings. Their main focus was on the quality of weanlings on offer, with a number of repeat customers back again to buy. This year most of the calves went to farmers in the south (from 10 different counties), whilst 16 heifers sold, going to repeat Northern Ireland customers.”
“The top price on the night went to a Dovea breed LM by Gavin Canning weighing 410kg @ €4900 to a Co Leitrim buyer. There was great interest in the springer sale, mostly local buyers from the Mayo & Sligo area looking for a top replacement. The average price on the night was €4125”
“Outside that, James Gill donated lot 38 for Cancer Care West; this heifer was sold for €6900 and purchased by local man John Caden Jnr. We also held a draw on the night in which €2500 was raised for the same charity. On behalf of everyone in Ballina Mart, we would like to thank the Gill family and everyone involved in running the sale and draw for Cancer Care West, " concluded Billy.
